Meet Janelle of South of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle

Hi Janelle , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story begins with love…my parents got married February 13th, 1988 and for the start of their honeymoon stayed at the Opryland hotel in Nashville, TN! They fell in love with Nashville through this experience and it would be an experience they would come to share with us (their children) year after year. March 8th, 1990 was the year I was born and as a baby my momma said I would always hum myself to sleep. When I was in kindergarten, we were told to come dressed as “what you want to be when you grow up”, I came to school as Shania Twain. Following the Woman in Me album, Shania Twain came to Evansville, Indiana on October 18th, 1998 for her “Come on Over” tour at Robert’s Stadium. My momma took me to this concert and once I saw Shania that night, I knew singing and performing is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life!

Naturally, I began singing in church at the age of 8 and would continue doing so in the years to come, but with anything in life there are always challenges to overcome. Initially the school, church I attended would not let me cantor; my momma, bless her heart, did not take no for an answer and took me to a sister church within our dioceses where I met music director Jill Jackson who would help develop my skills as a young cantor. I also began taking voice and piano lesson around age 9, 10 with Robin Moye, as well as singing in the Evansville Philharmonic Youth Choir. I would continue lessons with Robin until around 7th grade and transition to studying with Elizabeth Casteel; Elizabeth had previously pursued a music career and was one of the best music teachers in my hometown of Evansville, IN! Studying with Elizabeth, alongside my Godmother Elaine, would lead me to the love and pursuit of classical music. While studying music I also became very serious about softball at this age, I joined a travel team where I would make friends for a lifetime. I bring up softball’s impact because the girls on my team would grow with me into high school and college. They were some of the first people who believed in me as a young girl but more importantly as a singer. We would meet new people every tournament and my girlfriends would always introduce me as a singer and say, “Janelle, sing for them.” I would begin singing whatever song they wanted but mostly “I will always love you” written by Dolly Parton, made famous by Whitney Houston. I became a jukebox on demand and this would follow me everywhere I went. Once in highschool, I realized being an athlete and a musician was conflicting with one another. Most times I would be discounted from being cast for music parts and performances because of the sports I played. Because of the support I had from my voice teacher and family, I continued to pursue music outside of my high school. I would begin performing at local festivals and events. I would go on to compete in ISSMA competitions where I received gold (the highest honor for a solo performance) back to back years, as well as a perfect score for my performance of “O mio babbino caro”. I also had a Godmother, Elaine Ritzert, who studied music at Indiana University (piano, organ, and clarinet) and was a music therapist as well as music director for a church in Boonville, Indiana. She would take me with her everywhere she went; I would sing most weekends at St. Clements in Boonville, as well as sing at her nursing home. Elaine held season tickets to the Evansville Philharmonic which furthered my love for classical music. My Aunt Elaine was an angel for never giving up on me and one of my biggest musical influences throughout my life!!!

Following high school I knew I wanted to be a Vocal Performance Major so I auditioned for: Ball State, Belmont, and the University of Evansville; who were all well known for their music programs. Belmont, the school I wanted to attend did accept me as a student but not into the Commercial Music program. I was devastated as I had always dreamed of pursuing a life of music in Nashville!!—Growing up Nashville was a place we frequented as a family, especially around the holidays! The Opryland Hotel and The Nashville Palace became staples on our family trips. My parents knew from a young age my love for country music and my dream of being a country star; they took me to many shows at the Nashville Palace where I would meet many of the up and coming country artists as well as learn the history of country music!—
Around senior year of high school, (2007-08) my momma had my baby sister, Marianna, and the school I did receive a full ride music scholarship to just so happened to be at the University of Evansville (my hometown). Although it was not part of my plan to stay in Evansville, it was part of God’s plan-He always knows better lol! Attending the University of Evansville was bittersweet for me. I had history with UE because my grandpa played on the 1958-59 & 1959-60 NCAA men’s Basketball Championship winning teams! I say this because as I accepted a music scholarship to sing at the University of Evansville, I also decided to be a walk-on softball player to carry on the athletic family tradition. As I said before, softball was another huge part of my life that truly gave me a team mentality and sisterhood that I would carry with me for the rest of my life. I would sing the National Anthem before each of our games and then run back down to the field. Singing the national anthem was something I did at many sporting events. Due to the pursuit of music being a full time job I did however cut ties with softball the middle to end of my sophomore year and pursued a career in Music Education!

I have always loved children and growing up as the oldest of five children I would naturally want to help my mom with all things “baby”. Although when picking my specific degree I was advised to pursue a practical major (Elementary Music Education) in case singing didn’t work out the way I wanted it to; something inside told me I didn’t need a back-up plan! As I pursued my own performance career in music I was also learning how to teach others music. My vocal professor, Dr. Jon Truitt (director of opera, professor of music performance, and baritone), pushed me to be my best and most importantly believed in me, especially when I had doubts in my own abilities. Because of his belief I had roles in operas such as Hansel and Gretel and Suor Angelica, and he furthered my love for singing in Latin, Italian, French, and German. During my senior year of college I had a moment while student teaching that led me to quit school with less than 26 credit hours to go— I was placed in a Middle School whose end of the year choir performance was fast approaching. I remember watching as this young 7th grade girl began singing her solo within the choir of Katy Perry’s song, “Firework”. I got chills all over my body and I followed the voice inside that said, “You should be singing, performing– not teaching.” I believe every moment in life is meant to be—The song “Firework” was very special to me, it inspired so much hope during some of my darkest times due to the lyrical content and uplifting beat; it was a staple song that I was found singing every time I sang karaoke (often requested). It was specific to me, and this young girl singing it, forever changed the course of my life.—Once I quit school I immediately started performing in bands around my hometown. I performed in Bosco, RapTure, an acoustic duo turned trio that lead to Janelle & The Godfather’s, and eventually the cover band Tastes Like Chicken!

I believe my love for classical music and the study of music theory prepared me to be a more mature songwriter. When I was in college I really started to learn about relationships and life in general. I was a very naive girl coming into college so I always had to learn lessons the hard way. Lessons of love and heartbreak, who to trust and what trust is, loss of loved ones to drugs and suicide, growing up sheltered and being faced with being on my own with decisions of right and wrong. All of the life lessons I had encountered prior to college, during, and following college would be many of the subjects I would seriously write about in the years following. It was the combination of classical studies and life lessons that would transform me as a unique, soulful, story-telling songwriter!

Although I had been writing songs ever since I could remember, it wasn’t until my first huge heartbreak shortly after I quit college that I seriously began to write with a goal in mind—Inspire others to follow their dreams, heal, and always give hope! Around March 2015 I met a kindred spirit, Steve Nilssen, who would help create the space I needed to say what I was feeling through music; he was a member of my acoustic project RapTure and would go on to co-write many songs with me.

Growing up I had assumed every artist wrote the songs they were performing, but it wasn’t until I began seriously writing and researching songwriters that I was exposed to some of the best! I began going to writer’s rounds, listening and meeting songwriters like Tony Arata, Leslie Satcher, Don Sampson, Roxie Dean, Jonatha Brooke, Hillary Lindsey, Brett James, Jessi Alexander, Hailey Whitters and so on–which when I listened to these songwriters tell their stories, I finally felt understood. I felt seen and for the first time like I really knew who I was. With the inspiration of all these songwriter’s I continued pursuing my passion of becoming an artist and performed at various venues, bars, nightclubs with various musical acts! I also became inspired to buy my first guitar, a Taylor. Growing up my brother Justin was an amazing guitar player and would accompany me at family functions and various venues, events; he made it look easy and when I began playing I realized it took hard work. I still wouldn’t consider myself a great guitar player but I love to use my guitar as an intimate songwriting tool.

The move to Nashville in June 2019 was propelled by a job loss I had experienced and I knew it was now or never that I pursue my life long dream of becoming a singer-songwriter/recording artist! My fiancé then, now husband made all the plans and we were on our way! Once we arrived in Nashville I started serving and bartending at various places to fund an album I would soon release. (One of those places, The Library of Old Hickory Steakhouse in the Opryland Hotel) I recorded six songs and right before I could finish COVID hit. Shortly after COVID I went back to record the rest of my album and it was not the same—it all felt very disconnected and I was not happy with the outcome. I did not release any of these songs. Throughout this process I was still going back to Evansville, Indiana to perform in the band Tastes Like Chicken (TLC); I did this for awhile traveling back and forth to perform all the while looking for a band I felt would challenge me in TN. During this time I would also leave the service industry and start as a full-time nanny! My love of teaching became fulfilled through caretaking for small children, and I continue to teach/nanny young children to this day!

It took me about four years living in Tennessee before I found like-minded musical connections! I had been praying for a Rock band, specifically while listening to Led Zeppelin lol and made a profile on BandMix (a place to find local musicians). I had been found by a Led Zeppelin tribute band which was the answer to my prayer. We began practicing at Diamond Sound Studios and were looking for a Producer that could help us create a mix to promote our band. The sound tech recommended John Pineiro at Perfect Image Recording. We went as a band to record our compilation of Zeppelin songs and that is when I found my producer. After meeting with John I relayed my concerns about my previous recording experience—I felt like a dime a dozen, was rushed in and out, and spent thousands and left with a product that was generic and inauthentic. John listened to my concerns and all my songs! We began arranging and authentically creating my own sound. It took me awhile to find the right producer, but now that I have, everything is falling into place. Becoming an artist is about finding people who truly believe in your aunthenticity and want to support you every step of the way! My most meaningful connections in Nashville are the people I call friends! We all want to see each other suceed; that is special! I have been working with John now for about two years and just released my first single, “’Cause You Loved Me” in December of 2024. My future is bright and I am so excited to say I will be releasing my first music video this month (2.14.25) and many more of my original songs to follow!!! You can connect with me on Facebook and instagram @Janelleofficialmusic for continued updates and new releases! I am currently the lead singer for The Black Dogs of Nashville (Led Zeppelin tribute band) alongside continuing to pursue my God-given purpose of singing, songwriting, and performing!

All because two people fell in love!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Lol Anything worthwhile is never a smooth road! So many thoughts come to mind–If it were easy everyone would do it, the journey is the reward, turn the hard times into something good, purposeful! Perseverance is key; the persistence of doing something despite the difficulty or delay of achieving success!

My struggles began as a young girl when my church initially turned me away from singing. In the long run this struggle allowed me to come back better and stronger at my craft; predominately singing at Holy Rosary, Christ the King, St. Ben’s, St. Clement’s, and St. John’s in the Daylight in the years following! I would also go on to sing at many weddings, funerals, and memorial events!

Playing sports conflicted with my pursuit of music making me work harder to find outlets outside of school to sing and perform.

I gained qualities of confidence and assertiveness while working alongside men. I was the only girl in most of the bands/music acts; I had to learn at a young age to stand up for myself and say the hard truths at times! I am now a very outspoken woman! LOL

Not getting accepted to Belmont, which was my dream college at the time! Later in life I realized it was a blessing in disguise! I wouldn’t have entered into the relationships that propelled the loss and heartbreak of my songwriting; staying in my hometown allowed for life, real-world experience. I would have missed my younger siblings growing up, especially my newly born sister!

I quit college for a few reasons, but the ultimate reason was to pursue singing and performing as a career; I did however go back to college and graduate with my Bachelor’s Degree in December of 2018! I am proud to say I finished!

Growing up, when people heard me sing, you wouldn’t believe how many would say, “You should audition for American Idol and The Voice!” Fun fact: I auditioned twice for American Idol, once at the end of high school and once in college and didn’t make it past the first round. I auditioned for the Voice twice, once in college and once after college, and never made it past the first round. I also auditioned for “Can You Duet?” right after graduating high school with one of my best friends from high school–we did not make it!

I overcame many unhealthy relationships in my teens to late 20’s that led to destructive behavior such as heavily drinking and smoking! Many of my songs came from these decisions and relationships! I am excited to share with you as I continue to release more of my music!

When I moved to Nashville in 2019 to pursue my life long dream, I did not know who to trust! I have never been apprehensive and have always assumed everyone’s intentions are as good as mine! I spent thousands of dollars at a studio who was just going through the motions instead of taking the time necessary to create something special and unique with me! I recorded an album that I am now re-recording with the right Producer! Although this was a hard lesson to learn I am thankful to have learned it!

Truth is, I am thankful for the struggles! I believe struggles lead to our success! The struggles I faced made me an even better version of myself, and I hope to help heal others by being transparent with my life experience! We all make mistakes and we are all trying our best! 🙂

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer songwriter originally from Evansville, Indiana but call Tennessee home! My music is very lyrically driven and emotional. My biggest influences when writing and recording are the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Janis Joplin, Heart, Led Zeppelin, and The Supremes. I specialize in realness, honesty; I love to write stories that we all can relate to! I believe by sharing the vulnerable moments of our lives that we can heal each other, knowing we are not alone. I am a very soulful and spiritual human being who loves to no end. I am known for having a big voice and even bigger heart and caring for every person I meet. I believe a smile can change someone’s life. I express all emotions best when I am singing, writing songs, performing on stage or in the studio. I love to use my hands when I talk and sing, I love to emote feelings, and I love to dance! I have a passion for inspiring others to live fully and authentically as themselves because I believe we are each made uniquely; there is only one of you! By being ourselves we give others courage to be themselves! I am known for being very vibrant and colorful; I love sparkle everything and you most likely will find me wearing a pair of big hoop earrings! (My motto: Give a girl a pair of hoops and she can conquer the world!) I am known for singing a wide variety of genres–classical, country, rock, pop, blues, soul, hip-hop, and rap! I am known for my soulful voice and 70’s vibe! Traditional, classic with a new spin! I am most proud of overcoming life experience and the many obstacles I have faced throughout my life! I am proud of all the relationships I have formed on my journey; whether it’s been a season or a lifetime, I appreciate you all! I am proud to be pursuing my artistry as a career! I believe what sets me apart from others is how genuine I am!

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t know if “luck” is what I would call it! LOL I have always believed I am part of something greater than myself, whatever you want to call it! For me, I know God and those who have come before me are leading me every step of the way, even after I falter and make a mistake! I choose to get back up and persevere until the next failure, always ready to learn from a choice I’ve made and see how it perfectly fits the story of my life! I truly think it’s about getting uncomfortable to grow. It is about taking a chance that seems impossible for it to be possible at all. I had to learn to believe in myself despite others not believing in me! Living life and experiencing pain draws us closer to who we were created to be. I am so thankful for the foundation of truth (given by my parents); in every moment I was falling away from who I was created to be, the truth is what brought me back to who I was meant to be! I believe God gives us purpose!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/janelleofficialmusic
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/janelleofficialmusic

Image Credits
Sound & Rhythm Studio — Clif Koufman & Megan Richardson